Now is the time to plan your 2024 Vacation! The US Travel Association has set the last Tuesday in January each year (January 30, 2024) as National Plan Your Vacation Day. This day has been set aside to commit your time-off for the rest of the year, at the start of the year. Each year millions of vacation days go unused. You work hard and we want you to use those days off to make wonderful memories, recharge your soul and reconnect with your loved ones. 2024 is the year to come together with your friends and family to enjoy Lakes, Trails and Fresh Air that is found in Minnesota’s nature.  Grand Rapids, Minnesota is the outdoor mecca of the north. Find over 1 million public accessible acres to seek adventure on lakes and trails. This charming small town offers a natural setting to rest, relax, and recharge. Come together with loved one’s this year in northern Minnesota. A year-round destination that is perfect for all seasons.

Reduce Stress By Being Outdoors In Minnesota’s Nature

We all live very stressful and busy lives. The American Heart Association created an article about the benefits of being in nature to reduce stress and anxiety. Grand Rapids is the perfect place to find your ideal balance and recharge your soul in a small charming town that is surrounded by Minnesota’s nature. From any vantage point you will discover many outdoor recreation opportunities and many opportunities to seek solitude as well. Places we suggest where you can de-stress and reconnect with nature: Grand Rapids Library Fishing Pier on the Mississippi River, Angel of Hope at the Mississippi River, Pokegama Dam Recreation Area, Suomi Trail in the Chippewa National Forest, and the Lost Forty in the Chippewa National Forest. Grand Rapids, Minnesota is known as the outdoor mecca of the north. This year when you plan your 2023 vacation, consider all of the outdoor trails and lakes that you can hike, bike, fish, float, boat, paddle, and more!

Enjoy Art, Culture & History

Grand Rapids is a regional hub for Minnesota artists to convene and be inspired by nature. The Grand Rapids Art & Culture Commission and the Grand Rapids Arts have partnered together to create nature inspired public art pieces throughout downtown and along the Mississippi River, that runs right through the middle of town. View Grand Rapids Public Art & Historic Places. MacRostie Art Center is a free art gallery that showcases local and Minnesota artists in monthly exhibits. You can purchase a piece of local art to bring home as a memory of your trip. The Reif Center creates over 40 performance opportunities each year. While right now most of these performances are available from the convenience from your home; you will want to head north to Grand Rapids this summer for outdoor performances in Minnesota’s nature.

Explore Minnesota History

Grand Rapids was founded in 1872, so there is rich Minnesota History to explore. Places like the Forest History Center, an environmental learning center that includes a reconstructed 1900’s logging camp, is a great place to explore. All ages enjoy will enjoy the period costumed interpreters show in the logging camp that includes a horse show. Then hike the trails to the Wannigan on the Mississippi to experience what life would have been like to hall goods up and down the river from one trading post to  another. Another place to get up close and personal with Minnesota history is the FREE Itasca County Historical Society Museum, Gift Shop and Escape Room. Their River Room explores life on the Mississippi River as it would have been in the 1900’s and today. The Mississippi River is located one block south of the Historical Society.

Fun Places to Eat & Drink

In Grand Rapids you will find many fun places to eat & drink. From rustic and charming to fine dining and everything in between. Most of our restaurants are locally owned and have created their own seasonal specialty menu items that you can only get up north. Grand Rapids is currently home to two craft breweries: Klockow Brewing Company & Rapids Brewing Company, a Minnesota Wine Bar called Unwined Up North, and a winery located on beautiful Trout Lake called Smoke on the Water Winery.. All three of these locations serve craft beer, craft cider and craft sodas. Zorbaz on Pokegama is that place where you will always find a  good time on the lake. Timberlake Lodge Restaurant and Forest Lake Restaurant are the best places to get a steak, prime rib, hot bread and popovers.  If you are looking for great homestyle pizza, then Bear Ridge Pizza, Blueberry Bowl, Sammy’s Pizza are the places for you to try. Check out the Grand Rapids Area Chamber Restaurant List and the Deer River Chamber Restaurant List.

  Reconnect Together

In today’s every day life, we are over-booked, over-worked and over-scheduled. We know that it is hard to find time to get away, but we suggest you find the time this year. Grand Rapids, Minnesota is that up north destination that offers a slower pace of life. A place where you can stop and reflect on what is really important in your life. Going on vacation with the one’s you love creates lasting memories. We know that once you come, you will return again and again. There is something very special about this place that will leave an impact on you and your loved one’s forever.  Take advantage of TODAY being the National Plan Your Vacation Day!

Download the Interactive Grand Rapids Visitor Guide or request a Mailed Visitor Guide. This handy guide helps you plan out things to do before you arrive. Or you can use this guide as a itinerary builder once you get to town. Small towns often have much more than you realize. Make sure you have this guide with you to help you make the most out of your vacation to Grand Rapids, Minnesota. 

Book Your Trip

Now that you have decided to plan your 2024 vacation, you will want to take a look at the wide variety of lodging options that are available in Grand Rapids, MN. You will find conveniently located in town Hotels, Motels, Bed & Breakfasts, and Air B&B’s. You will also find lake cabins at Minnesota Resorts and Lake Home Vacation Rentals. Whether you are looking for a property that has full in-house amenities like a pool, hot tub, on-site restaurant & bar. Or maybe you are looking to rent an entire cabin or maybe several cabins for friends and extended family to join you on vacation. You will find it in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Visit Grand Rapids makes it easy for your to search based on the amenities that you are looking for and the date you are looking for. Search for Grand Rapids, MN Lodging.